The Chicago Sky face a challenging stretch in the 2025 WNBA season as Angel Reese’s team copes with the loss of key player Kamilla Cardoso, who has left the team to join the Brazilian national squad for the FIBA AmeriCup. This departure comes after the Sky’s rough start to the season, with only four wins after multiple losses, struggling despite contributions from players like Hailey Van Lith and Ariel Atkins.
Kamilla Cardoso’s exit from the Sky disrupts a critical component of the team’s lineup, as she had been a stabilizing presence on both ends of the court. Cardoso’s decision to compete internationally leaves the Sky with an urgent need to compensate for her sizable contributions, particularly on defense and efficient scoring.
Kamilla Cardoso’s Key Role in the Sky’s Performance
Kamilla Cardoso’s importance to Chicago goes beyond ordinary expectations for a rookie. She has consistently been a top performer, averaging 12.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this season. Her field goal shooting stands out at 56.1%, demonstrating remarkable efficiency compared to her teammates.
In stark contrast, Angel Reese averages 11.3 points per game with a 38.5% shooting rate, highlighting Cardoso’s impact not just in volume but in quality of scoring. The Brazilian player’s presence on the court has provided the Sky with a reliable scoring option and a defensive anchor, elements now missing.
The value of Cardoso’s contributions was clearly visible during Chicago’s Pride Night win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Cardoso scored a career-high 27 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and added a long-range three-pointer, energizing the team‘s 97–86 victory. These impressive performances underline the challenge the Sky face without her.
Implications for Angel Reese and the Team’s Dynamics
Angel Reese’s connection with Kamilla Cardoso has been one of the notable factors in the Sky’s offensive schemes. Reese has scored seven field goals aided directly by Cardoso’s assists, second only to nine assists from Ariel Atkins to Reese. This synergy has been a key element of the team’s offensive output.
Head coach Tyler Marsh has recognized Cardoso’s impact, highlighting her aggressive play and ability to impose herself early in games. After a 17-point performance in 15 minutes during a loss against Phoenix, Marsh stated,
“I think she asserted herself early today. She did a good job of being aggressive once the ball was into her and attacking before they could bring double teams and whatnot.”
—Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky Head Coach
In fact, statistics reveal Cardoso’s major influence when she takes a heavy offensive load; her averages climb to 21 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and a block per game when she attempts 10 or more shots. This level of performance was punctuated by multiple dominant games, including those with 16–9–4–1 and 27–7–3–2 stat lines.
Cardoso’s skill set, including her ability to score efficiently and protect the rim, makes her absence a considerable loss for the Sky.
Broader Impact of International Call-Ups on WNBA Teams
Cardoso is among nine WNBA players who left their teams in June for international tournaments such as EuroBasket and the AmeriCup. This wave of departures has hit the Golden State Valkyries hardest, losing four key contributors, while the Sky’s loss of Cardoso stings deeply due to her central role.
Other players joining their national squads include Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally (New York Liberty, Germany), Jessica Shepard (Minnesota Lynx, Slovenia), Julie Allemand (Los Angeles Sparks, Belgium), and several from the Golden State Valkyries—Julie Vanloo, Janelle Salaün, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Temi Fágbénlé—as well as Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder from the Indiana Fever Wings.
The absence of these players creates a temporary gap in talent and experience for their WNBA teams, raising concerns about midseason performance and playoff positioning.
Challenges Ahead for the Chicago Sky’s Season
Kamilla Cardoso’s exit places the Chicago Sky in a precarious position, particularly as they attempt to salvage a disappointing start to the year. Despite losses, Angel Reese has remained an offensive force, but without Cardoso’s defensive presence and efficient scoring, the task grows steeper.
The Sky’s ability to adjust will be crucial as they face upcoming games without one of their best performers. How the coaching staff manages minutes and roles among remaining players like Van Lith and Atkins will influence whether Chicago can maintain competitiveness.
Cardoso’s departure also highlights the broader challenges WNBA teams face balancing league play with international duties, a tension impacting several franchises across the league.
Looking Forward: What This Means for Angel Reese and the Sky
Angel Reese is expected to take on an even heavier load as Chicago navigates the remainder of the season without Kamilla Cardoso. Reese’s shooting and scoring consistency will be vital, though replicating Cardoso’s efficient output will be difficult.
The Sky’s future hinges on whether other roster players can step up defensively and offensively to fill the void. With the Sky’s current position near the bottom of the standings, each game carries added pressure to turn the season around.
As the team strives for more wins, the return of Cardoso following international duty could provide a significant boost. For now, Angel Reese and her teammates face the serious challenge of sustaining competitiveness while key contributors are temporarily away.